Item: Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT
Rating: 8
Author: Verified User

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

I use Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT to manage donor and alumni information, including giving and engagement, as well as communications, including emails, newsletters, and event information/communications. Personally, I use RE to create emails and newsletters that go out to alumni and donors, as well as to research alumni, donors, and prospective donors for stories and communications I write.

Pros and Cons

Ease of use - it's easy to add to a constituent's information and to find what you're looking for.
Putting together emails and newsletters have a simple drag-and-drop format, making it easy for people to learn quickly how to build them out. It is also customizable, allowing me to incorporate brand standards without fuss.
I find pulling constituent lists to be complicated at first, but once you figure it out, it becomes easier.

The number of times RE goes out (stops performing) on regular days seems excessive.
RE needs to figure out how to manage larger loads when lots of organizations are fundraising on the same day. It gets slow and sometimes conks out all together, which is really difficult when you're trying to raise money.
There needs to be an improvement with constituent's names. If someone has a preferred name, I've noticed that RE takes the first letter of that preferred name and makes it the middle initial.
It's time to remove the Mr./Ms. titles from ALL records.

Most Important Features

Dashboards for keeping track of yearly goals.
Alumni and donor information.
Event participation information.
Ability to create emails and newsletters.

Return on Investment

We have seen an increase in our fundraising totals because RE has allowed us to separate out donors by dollar amount, allowing us to target those most likely to give.
The email/newsletter features allow us to communicate quickly and effectively with constituents - those communications get out fast compared to other platforms.
Allows us to see, on any given day, where we are in relation to our fundraising goals.

Data Intelligence

It really allows us to dig in and see where our fundraising dollars are coming from, who we need to target, and where we are in our yearly fundraising goals. It also allows major gift officers to see where they are in relation to their own personal goals. All of that information is at our fingertips, which allows us to pivot quickly if we need to. Our fundraising dollars have increased significantly over the years.

Training Types Used

Online Training
In-Person Training

Online Training

I remember it being enough to get me on the right track. By the time I took the online training, I'd already spent time in RE, so much of the information was a repeat for me.

Alternatives Considered

None

Key Insights

Do you think Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT's feature set?

Yes

Did Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT live up to sales and marketing promises?

Yes

Did implementation of Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT go as expected?

I wasn't involved with the implementation phase

Would you buy Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT again?

Yes

Likelihood to Recommend

It's great for keeping track of our alumni and donors. The platform is pretty intuitive, allowing for minimal training before someone can begin using it without causing issues. We're able to see everything we need to know about our constituents on one page, including all communications, gifts, notes from coworkers, and their educational backgrounds. It is so helpful to have all of that in one place.

Can't Live Without Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT!

Overall Satisfaction with Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT